Senator Harry Reid Announces Retirement

WASHINGTON–Nevada Senator Harry Reid, a longtime champion of America’s environment and natural resources, announced that he will retire at the end of his current term.

Statement by Jamie Rappaport Clark, president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife:

“During his long career, Senator Harry Reid has repeatedly stood up to protect our nation’s precious wildlife and wild places. He was instrumental in rolling back a moratorium on listing endangered species in the mid-90’s, allowing imperiled wildlife to once again receive the protections they badly needed. He stepped up for one of the most endangered mammals in our country, the red wolf. Thanks to his leadership, he saved the red wolf recovery program from efforts by the late Senator Jessie Helms to eliminate it and, in the years following, worked to fend off anti-wildlife policy riders on numerous ‘must pass’ bills. Senator Reid has also been a champion for protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and has pushed for new wilderness areas across the country. His leadership and commitment to conservation on the Hill will be sorely missed.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @defendersnews.